Which Arctic mammal has black skin beneath its white-looking fur?

The polar bear has black skin beneath its white-looking fur.

A polar bear’s skin is dark, and its fur is not truly white in the way that snow is white. Each hair is largely transparent and can scatter light, making the coat appear white or yellowish. This appearance helps the bear blend into sea ice and snowy surroundings.

The dark skin may help absorb solar radiation, although the bear’s main insulation comes from its dense fur and substantial layer of body fat. The hairs also protect the skin from cold water and cold air. Underwater, the coat can look yellowish or wet rather than bright white.

Polar bears are marine mammals because they depend heavily on sea ice for hunting seals, traveling, and resting. Their scientific name, Ursus maritimus, means “sea bear.” Coat color can vary with age, lighting, season, and staining, so a polar bear may not always look pure white in photographs.